The Importance of HVAC Maintenance

Maintenance is essential when it is concerned with cooling and heating systems. It can help you avoid costly repairs or premature replacement. Most HVAC companies offer a service plan that you pay the monthly cost to have the system checked, repaired or cleaned if necessary.

It’s also recommended to do some of the DIY maintenance tasks throughout the year. These include cleaning or replacing air filters and keeping the area around outdoor units free of any debris to ensure the proper airflow.

Clean the Condenser

The coils in the condenser in your air conditioner are the mainstay of the cooling process. If they are dirty, you system will struggle to cool and may even breakdown. Cleaning them is an essential part of HVAC maintenance. It is, fortunately, fairly easy to do. This easy DIY task will save you money, prevent costly repairs and prolong the life span of your air cooling.

In the beginning, it is crucial to shut off the power to your unit. This can be done by turning off the breaker at your electrical box or the outdoor unit disconnect switch. This will prevent your motors and electrical components from being oversaturated during cleaning.

Once the power has been turned off, you can start taking down any large objects that could be hindering the air condenser. This includes sweeping up any leaves, sticks, or other debris that have accumulated around or on the unit. A shop vacuum equipped with crevice tools is a great tool to reach into the nooks and crannies, and loosen dirt or dust that has accumulated.

The next step is to clean the coils. Be sure to have some essential tools on hand before you start. These will include a coil cleaner concentrate and a pump-up garden hose and a garden hose. Spray the coil cleaner in accordance with the directions on the product label and then rinse it off using the hose. It is crucial not to apply too much pressure when washing the coils, because the fins may be bent.

After the coils have been cleaned, you should inspect them for any indications of damage. Over time, hail and rocks thrown from lawnmowers or other objects can cause damage to coil fins. If the fins are bent, a low-cost tool known as a fin-comb can straighten them to improve air flow and help the coils function more efficiently.

When the fins and coils are in good shape, you can go back to your home and switch on your air conditioner. After around 24 hours, you can check the thermostat to ensure that the temperature is normal.

Cleaning the Ductwork

Your HVAC system is able to bring air from outside, cooling it and distributing it throughout the home. The air is moved from the evaporator coil in your condenser unit to your house’s vents and registers through a duct system. The ducts could become blocked with dust and other pollutants if they are not cleaned and sealed correctly. This can clog the air filters which can reduce the effectiveness of your system and burdens your AC unit.

In the majority of cases, cleaning the ductwork is not an easy task that requires the help of professional equipment and techniques. But, there are actions you can take regularly to make sure your ducts remain clean and well-functioning. First, change your filter regularly to prevent dust and allergens from accumulating into the ducts. This will also help to stop clogging, which could cause a decrease in efficiency and higher energy costs.

Vacuuming the area surrounding the vent openings is an additional method to keep your ducts cleaner. By using the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner, you can eliminate all the cobwebs and crumbs that accumulate over time, and will assist in improving air flow through the vent. It is also important to ensure that your ducts are sealed tight and lined to stop moisture from entering, which can result in mold and other biological contaminants.

If ducts are not cleaned regularly, they can accumulate a variety of contaminants such as dust, pet dander, and pollen. These particles can exacerbate respiratory and allergies, especially in children and the elderly. Moisture can cause mold to grow in ductwork, which releases spores that are harmful to people suffering from respiratory issues.

It’s generally recommended that you have your ducts cleaned every three to five years to eliminate these contaminants and ensure your HVAC system functions effectively. However, if your ducts are sealed properly and you change your filters regularly the cleaning of your ducts may not be necessary at all. The best way to know for sure is by having your ducts tested. An accredited contractor can use specific testing methods to determine the amount of particulates in your ductwork and will suggest appropriate cleaning schedules that are based on your particular situation.

Check the Compressor

The compressor is a crucial element of the system. It must function properly to deliver cool air to the ducts. If the compressor isn’t operating as it should, it can affect your productivity and result in equipment downtime. Fortunately, preventive maintenance is able to help catch minor issues early and avoid excessive downtime. Regular checks can also save you money by keeping your equipment as efficient as possible.

A typical indication of a problem with a compressor is a loss in cooling capacity, but this could be caused by many different causes. A compressor may be working too hard due insufficient airflow. This could cause the bearings to wear down and decrease the life of the compressor. Another issue that is common is a clogged filter. If the filter is blocked, it can reduce the airflow to the compressor and lead to overheating. It is important to clean or change the filters according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Additionally, a blocked filter could also cause a rattling sound in the compressor. This can indicate that the bearings are wearing out and must be replaced. It is also a good idea to replace belts and pulleys regularly. A pulley or belt that is loose could cause the compressor to overheat and create other issues. It is also a good idea to drain your compressor on a regular basis. This will remove the moisture that could cause corrosion to the motor and other components. A professional service team will examine for leaks in hoses, and a tight seal on the pressure sensor and compressor.

A puddle of liquid in the vicinity of the compressor could be a sign of leak. This is a potentially dangerous problem that should be addressed immediately. If you suspect that there is a leak, shut off the air compressor. Get a professional to assist you.

Check the Thermostat

The thermostat acts like the boss of your entire HVAC system, and it’s no surprise that it’s the first thing a technician will inspect when a problem arises. It’s also one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items, yet maintaining your thermostat properly is essential to ensure your HVAC system’s proper operation. Check your thermostat if find inaccurate temperature readings, unresponsive controls, or constant cycling.

Inaccurate Temperature Readings

Over time, the sensors on your thermostat may become dirty. This can cause it to display in a wrong manner. Regularly checking your thermostat’s accuracy with a separate thermometer will assist you in avoiding these issues and save energy.

A faulty sensor, or a wrong calibration, could cause your system to cycle on and off continuously. This is referred to as short cycling. This could have a negative effect on your comfort as well as cause excessive wear and tear on the compressor. Fortunately, these issues can often be corrected by simply replacing the batteries in your thermostat or resetting the breakers.

If your system isn’t responding to your thermostat at all it’s a good idea to check the breakers that control both the thermostat as well as your HVAC equipment. If the breaker tripped it, you’ll need to reset it to allow your thermostat to communicate again with the system.

It is also essential to examine your thermostat for signs of wear or damage. Look for evidence of dust or dirt, and make sure the thermostat isn’t exposed to sunlight. Examine the fan blades for evidence of damage or rust. These simple checks can prevent expensive repairs in the future, and help ensure that your equipment is operating as efficiently as possible.

Basic hvac maintenance is a great way to save energy and keep your comfort in a commercial space. It also increases the life of cooling and heating equipment. It is possible to keep your building at all times comfortable by identifying issues with your thermostat, then resetting your breaker, and then replacing your batteries. Be sure to call a professional if you are having other issues or unsure of what is going on with your system.